Book Description:
The importance of the Asia Pacific region is growing. The region has the commodities and resources the modern world needs, and its people have a demonstrated capacity to generate and accommodate to change. Witness, for example, the economic miracles of South Korea and Taiwan, or the rise of Asian creditor nations such as Japan which, in this era of global financial interdependence, will surely influence the newly industrializing countries. The stability we all seek for this region depends on the maintenance of an open trading system and secure sea lines of communication. Recently, the pace of change in the Pacific has quickened, influenced by economic, diplomatic, and military forces outside the region. The Cambodia situation is unsettled, and the future postures of India, Japan, and China continue to be matters for speculation. Against a background of ethnic cultural, and religious diversity in this vast area, the clash of economic interests has become sharper. Within the region, fast growing economies and new weapon technologies have created more capable armed forces. Though many Pacific governments desire the continued presence of the United States, the passing of the baton to a new generation of Pacific leaders and the swelling tides of nationalism have complicated the traditional American role. The United States and many of its Pacific friends are examining new, sensitive Asia Pacific partnerships that further stability and development. This anthology presents an array of evolving perspectives for the 1990s and beyond, Pacific specialists, policymakers, and others taken with this dynamic region will find much to consider among these wide ranging essays. J. A. Baldwin Vice Admiral, United States Navy President, National Defense University.
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